A rare ‘Dumbo’ octopus with big, floppy ears has been spotted off the coast of California.
The animal was discovered during a deep-sea dive by an unmanned robotic submersible by the Ocean Exploration Trust during the week.
The non-profit organisation were exploring an area near an underwater volcano when the small octopod floated past their camera.
A rare sighting of the 'Dumbo' octopus https://t.co/z6DqXFAXCf via @ReutersTV pic.twitter.com/9WcbTBik5x
— Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) November 1, 2018
News24 reports that the octopus, also called a Grimpoteuthis, was named so due to its long ear-like flapping fins on the side of its head.
The creature tends to reside on the ocean floor at depths of between 2.7 – 4km.
